Katherine Heigl talks possible return to 'Grey's Anatomy'

LOS ANGELES, June 24 (UPI) -- Katherine Heigl will not return on Grey's Anatomy.

The 36-year-old actress revealed as much in an interview with Entertainment Tonight. Heigl portrayed Izzie Stevens from season 1 into season 6, and was rumored to reprise the character in season 12.

"There's not [a possibility], I'm sorry," she said. "[The show] changed the course of my life and career, and I couldn't be more grateful. I just hope it goes for as long as they all want it to."

Grey's Anatomy premiered in 2005, and will return for a 12th season in September, albeit without Patrick Dempsey as Derek Shepherd, aka McDreamy. Heigl expressed shock over the character's death, saying, "I just can't imagine the show without [him]. It's just so hard to picture."

The actress went on to star as Charleston Tucker on NBC series State of Affairs, which was canceled after one season. She will next appear in Jackie & Ryan with Ben Barnes, and is also scheduled for Jenny's Wedding with Alexis Bledel.